The Canadian Classic: Unveiling the Musical Journey of ‘Drive’ by The Cars

The Story Of… ‘Drive‘ by The Cars

Introduction

The Cars’ 1984 ballad ‘Drive‘ has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic and emotionally charged synth-rock ballads of the 1980s. This unexpected hit took the charts by storm and resonated with music lovers worldwide. In this article, we will explore the story behind ‘Drive‘, including the song’s writer, its meaning, the banned status in the UK, and its impact on music culture.

Who wrote ‘Drive‘?

The lyrics of ‘Drive‘ were written by Ric Ocasek, the primary singer-songwriter of The Cars. However, Ocasek did not sing the song himself. Instead, the band’s bassist, Benjamin Orr, took on the vocal duties. Orr’s haunting voice brought a sense of loneliness and empathy to the lyrics. It’s worth noting that Orr also sang on The Cars’ first hit, ‘Just What I Needed’. Tragically, Orr passed away in 2000 due to pancreatic cancer, and ‘Drive‘ was played in his honor at his memorial service during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The song was produced by Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange, famous for his work with Shania Twain.

The story behind ‘Drive‘

‘Drive‘ stands out as one of The Cars’ more melancholic songs, in contrast to their typically energetic and ironic style. The lyrics depict a narrator observing a woman spiraling downwards in her life, desperate to make her realize what is going wrong. The lines “who’s gonna pick you up when you fall?” and “who’s gonna pay attention to your dreams?” express genuine sympathy and despair. The chorus, “who’s gonna drive you home?” seems to reflect the narrator’s resignation that there is no one who can fulfill these roles. Whether the narrator is an old friend or a past lover is open to interpretation, but their realization is that nobody can answer these questions.

Behind the music video

Ric Ocasek had been reluctant to incorporate automotive imagery in The Cars’ lyrics due to their band name. However, ‘Drive‘ presented an opportunity that he couldn’t resist. The song was released during the height of MTV’s popularity, a time when music videos often featured fast and flashy cars. Ocasek collaborated with actor Timothy Hutton, who had a concept for the video that resonated with him. The video alternates between Benjamin Orr singing in a deserted bar and a woman’s breakdown in a haunted bedroom, where she is visited by Ocasek. The video’s concept and execution were so successful that Hutton and Ocasek formed a lasting friendship, with Ocasek even appearing in Hutton’s film ‘Made in Heaven’. Furthermore, the model in the video, Paulina Porizkova, went on to marry Ric Ocasek, and the couple stayed together until Ocasek’s passing in 2019.

Performance and impact

Upon its release in 1985, ‘Drive‘ became The Cars’ highest-charting single, reaching number three on the US Billboard charts and number five in the UK. However, its significance grew even further when it was featured in the montage clips highlighting the Ethiopian famine during the Live Aid benefit concert in 1985. The song was performed by The Cars at the Philadelphia leg of the event, while in the UK, it was introduced by David Bowie at Wembley Stadium. The powerful message conveyed through the montage deeply resonated with audiences, leading to a resurgence in popularity for ‘Drive‘ and a notable rise in its chart position. The re-release of the song raised significant funds for the Band Aid Trust, with proceeds nearing £160,000.

Banned in the UK

In 1996, after the tragic death of Princess Diana, several radio stations in the UK chose to avoid playing songs about driving to prevent potential offense or upset to the public. One such station, XFM, banned ‘Drive‘ from its playlist, along with Radiohead’s ‘Airbag’ and anything by the Crash Test Dummies. This decision highlights the profound impact that ‘Drive‘ had on listeners and its association with driving imagery.

Cover versions

‘Drive‘ has been covered by artists from various genres, showcasing its timeless appeal. Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley, gave the song a reggae twist, while metal band Deftones and Irish pop band The Script also tried their hand at covering it. Notably, country star Tim McGraw released an acoustic cover of ‘Drive‘ in 2019, showcasing the song’s enduring influence and ability to cross genre boundaries.

Conclusion

‘Drive‘ by The Cars remains a powerful and emotionally charged ballad that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide. From its origins as a heart-wrenching observation of a troubled life to its association with humanitarian efforts like Live Aid, the song has left an indelible mark on music culture. The timeless appeal of ‘Drive‘ is evident in the multitude of cover versions and its ability to connect with audiences across genres. As we reflect on the story behind ‘Drive‘, we are reminded of the transformative power of music and its ability to evoke genuine and empathetic emotions.